Anti-trans protesters rally at iconic Territory fun run
A group of ‘anti-trans’ protesters have been condemned after they were spotted demonstrating at one of the Top End’s largest sporting events. Details.
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A group of ‘anti-trans’ protesters were seen demonstrating for what is believed to be the second year in a row at one of the Top End’s biggest sporting events.
The Northern Territory Anti-Discrimination Commissioner and Top End Pride have condemned a small protest at the NT City2Surf as a targeted attack on gender-diverse people at an event meant to be about “participation, diversity, and belonging”.
The annual event is a staple of the Top End’s running fraternity and contested by both men and women, with prizes awarded to the top three in each category.
The ‘anti-trans’ protest included a handful of people holding signs near the finish line stating “no men in women’s sport”.
It does not explicitly state on the NT City2Surf’s official website that trans athletes are not allowed to participate in the event.
Similar protests were also reportedly seen by runners and onlookers at the 2024 edition of the race, in the same location.
NT Anti-Discrimination Commissioner Jeswynn Yogaratnam said the protest was contrary to the ethos of the community event “that celebrates participation, diversity, and belonging”.
“Public events like this should be spaces of unity, not exclusion. Sport should be a force for inclusion, not division,” Mr Yogaratnam said.
“Freedom of expression is a fundamental right. However, exercising that right in public spaces must be balanced with the responsibility to ensure all individuals are treated with dignity and respect.”
Mr Yogaratnam called on Sports and Equality Minister Jinson Charls to provide ‘clear and concise’ guidance on efforts to “uphold inclusive standards across the (sporting) sector”.
People, Sport and Culture and Youth, Seniors and Equality Minister Jinson Charls said such a ‘protest’ was not within his realm to comment on.
However, he did address that in his position, it was his duty to ensure the Territory was not only safe, but provided equal opportunity for all.
“The issue being raised by the NT News is not new and is being considered by sporting codes around the globe,” Mr Charls said in response to a request for comment from this masthead.
“As the Minister for Sport and Equality it is not my role to make a judgment call or comment on someone’s right to protest.
“As Minister for Sport my focus is on getting as many Territorians playing sport as possible and as Minister for Equality I’m committed to ensuring the Territory is a safe place that provides equal opportunity for all Territorians.”
Top End Pride – a community-driven organisation dedicated to celebrating and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community – was shocked by the protest.
Vice chair Becky Tidman said while Top End Pride did not wish to give the protest any more publicity, they felt they had a responsibility to speak out on the matter.
“Top End Pride is aghast to see the exclusionary anti-trans slogans at City2Surf which coincided with the first day of Pride Month,” Ms Tidman said.
“This transphobic commentary is not representative of the wider Darwin community and was from a very small group of people.”
Ms Tidman said the protesters’ actions had “real life consequences”.
“Rainbow families, trans athletes and community locals saw these signs and this group and were made to feel unsafe and excluded,” she said.
“The very nature of these slogans speak to why there are lower participation rates for trans-women in sport.”
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